Saucha: The Purifying Power of Cleanliness in Grief
Welcome to the next post in our new monthly series, which delves into the ancient wisdom of yoga and its profound philosophies. Laura Walton, the founder of lovelew, attests to yoga's incredible healing powers, especially in navigating the turbulent waters of grief. With its deep roots and comprehensive practices, yoga offers a sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with their bodies and find grounding when other connections seem lost.
Each month, we will explore a different facet of yoga, deepening our understanding of how these practices can support and transform your journey through grief.
This series is not about mastering physical flexibility (although that’s a welcome benefit); it’s about fostering a connection between mind, body, and heart. Through time and practice, yoga can help you find a way to move through your grief.
Yoga isn't just the latest Instagram trend. It's a way of life. An ancient practice, philosophy, and purpose. It’s helpful to consider all 8 limbs of yoga and remember the original intention of yoga. To truly grasp its essence, we must dive into The Eight Limbs of Yoga, starring the yamas and niyamas. Each limb is a step and guidepost leading us onto the path of self-actualization. The yamas and niyamas are the first two practices of yoga. When we focus on these, they light the way for the rest.
Navigating the turbulent waters of grief is a profoundly challenging journey, one that can leave your internal and external environments feeling disordered and chaotic. The yogic principle of Saucha, which translates to cleanliness or purity, offers a transformative perspective that extends beyond mere physical tidiness to include the spiritual and emotional realms.
Understanding Saucha
Saucha is one of the Niyamas in yoga philosophy, which focuses on personal observances. It encourages us to maintain purity in our bodies, minds, and surroundings. In the context of grief, Saucha becomes particularly relevant. It's not just about a clean living space; it’s about creating a serene internal environment where healing can flourish.
The Impact of External Clutter
Imagine being in a cluttered room. This mess isn’t just a physical barrier; it represents the emotional and mental clutter we often navigate in grief. Unattended emotions and thoughts can create a chaotic internal landscape, mirroring the disarray in our physical spaces. Cleaning up these areas can significantly lighten your mental load, making it easier to process grief.
The Internal Cleanse
Just as we clean our homes, Saucha invites us to cleanse our internal world. This includes bringing awareness to our thoughts and emotional baggage that can exacerbate the pain of grief. It’s about finding clarity amid confusion and making peace with the present, even when it feels overwhelmingly painful.
Practical Applications of Saucha in Grieving
Create a Calm Space: Establish a personal area in your home dedicated to tranquility and reflection—perhaps a corner with comfortable seating and soothing elements like plants or photos of happy memories.
Routine Cleansing Practices: Engage in regular practices that promote physical cleanliness, such as decluttering living spaces, which can also serve as a metaphor for clearing mental clutter.
Mindful Eating: Choose foods that nourish and revitalize the body. During times of grief, our diet can either be a source of comfort and energy or contribute to a sense of lethargy and despair.
Emotional and Mental Hygiene: Just as we brush our teeth or shower, it’s crucial to tend to our emotional and mental health. This might include therapy, meditation, or journaling—practices that help cleanse the mind of toxic patterns and promote emotional resilience.
The Role of Saucha in Healing
Embracing Saucha can help mitigate the overwhelming aspects of grief. By simplifying your physical and mental environment, you allow more space for healing. It’s about reducing the noise so you can better hear what your heart needs to heal.
Conclusion: Saucha as a Guide Through Grief
Saucha is not about striving for a sterile environment but finding a balance that promotes health, clarity, and peace. In the context of grief, it guides us to honor our pain but not let it be compounded by disorder and neglect. Whether it’s tidying up a room or setting boundaries on negative thoughts, each step towards cleanliness is a step towards regaining balance and peace.
Discover More with lovelew
Ready to navigate the holiday season with a heart full of memories and a spirit geared toward healing? Download our free guide No Cheer Here: Getting Through Grief This Holiday Season, and discover practical strategies to manage your grief with grace and resilience. It's more than just advice—it's a companion through your holiday journey. Get your guide here.
